4. Which term describes computers (e.g., Windows PC, Mac OS X) with applications that allow a person to perform diverse tasks, from writing a book on CompTIA A+ certification to talking with someone, with full audio and video, on the other side of the world?

A. Targeted computers

B. Specialized computers

C. Multipurpose computers

D. Application computers

Ans: C

Page: 45

Difficulty: Easy
[QUESTION]

5. Which port on the back of a PC’s system unit is used for external hard drives?

A. eSATA

B. NIC

C. PS/2 or mini-DIN

D. HDMI

Ans: A

Page: 49

Difficulty: Easy
[QUESTION]

6. Which port on the back of a PC’s system unit is used for output to a monitor?

A. eSATA

B. NIC

C. PS/2 or mini-DIN

D. HDMI

Ans: D

Page: 49

Difficulty: Easy
[QUESTION]

7. What is Window’s default Web browser?

A. Internet Explorer

B. Netscape

C. Chrome

D. Firefox

Ans: A

Page: 52

Difficulty: Easy
[QUESTION]

8. In Windows Vista/7, what is another name for the notification area that shows programs running in the background?

32. Modern versions of Windows use subfolders of the _______________ folder to organize files for each user on a PC.

Ans: C:\Users

Page: 64

Difficulty: Hard
[QUESTION]

33. _______________ holds the keys to files and folders in Mac OS X.

Ans: Finder

Page: 65

Difficulty: Medium
[QUESTION]

34. The _______________ handles most of the maintenance, upgrade, and configuration aspects of Windows.

Ans: Control Panel

Page: 67

Difficulty: Medium
[QUESTION]

35. In Windows, a large number of programs, called_______________, populate the Control Panel.

Ans: applets

Page: 67

Difficulty: Medium
[QUESTION]

36. In the Windows _______________ menu, you’ll find commonly accessed tools such as System Information and Disk Defragmenter.

Ans: System Tools

Page: 67

Difficulty: Medium
[QUESTION]

37. The Windows _______________ interface is a throwback to how Microsoft operating systems worked a long, long time ago when text commands were entered at a command prompt.

Ans: command-line

command line

Page: 68-69

Difficulty: Medium

[QUESTION]

38. The Windows 10 _______________ app combines a huge number of otherwise disparate utilities, apps, and tools traditionally spread out all over your computer into one fairly unified, handy Windows app.

Ans: Settings

Page: 72

Difficulty: Medium
[QUESTION]

39. Similar to Mac OS X, the Unity desktop environment has a central application for managing common settings called _______________.

40. The one thing that is the same in all the Linux KDE-based distros is that everything you need to work on the system is accessible from the _______________ menu on the far left of the Panel.

Ans: Kickoff

Page: 75

Difficulty: Medium
Short Answer[QUESTION]

1. Briefly describe the input stage of the computer process.

Ans: You start the computer process action by doing something—clicking the mouse, typing on the keyboard, or touching the touch screen. This is input.

Page: 46

Difficulty: Medium
[QUESTION]

2. Briefly describe the processing stage of the computer process.

Ans: The parts inside the device or case take over after input as the operating system tells the hardware to do what you’ve requested. This is processing.

Page: 46

Difficulty: Medium
[QUESTION]

3. Briefly describe the output stage of the computer process.

Ans: Once the computer has processed your request, it shows you the result by changing what you see on the display or playing a sound through the speakers. This is output.

Page: 46

Difficulty: Medium
[QUESTION]

4. Describe how data storage on a computer works.

Ans: First, you tell the computer to save something. Second, the CPU processes that command and stores the data. Third, the computer shows you something, such as a message saying that the data is stored. Any work that you don’t save is lost when you turn the computer off or exit the application.

Ans: Because the computing process applies to every computing device, it provides the basis for how every tech builds, upgrades, and repairs such devices. By understanding both the components involved and how they talk to each other, you can work with any computing device. It might take a couple minutes to figure out how to communicate with the device via input, for example, but you’ll quickly master it because you know how all computing devices work.

Page: 47

Difficulty: Hard
[QUESTION]

6. List the nine steps for “getting something done” that apply to most computers and computing devices.

Ans: Here are nine steps that apply to most computers and computing devices when you want to get something done:

Power up. Computers run on electricity.

Processing parts prepare for action.

You provide input.

Processing parts process your command.

Processing parts send output information to your output devices.

Output devices show you the results.

Repeat Steps 3–6 until you’re satisfied with the outcome.

Save your work.

Power down the computer.

Page: 47-48

Difficulty: Hard

[QUESTION]

7. What five Microsoft operating systems make up the bulk of the software coverage on the CompTIA A+ 220-902 exam?

Ans: All OSs are not created equal, but every OS provides certain functions. Here’s a list:

The OS communicates, or provides a method for other programs to communicate, with the hardware of the PC or device. Operating systems run on specific hardware. For example, if you have a 32-bit computer, you need to install a 32-bit version of an operating system. With a 64-bit computer, you need a 64-bit OS.

The OS creates a user interface (UI)—a visual representation of the computer on the monitor that makes sense to the people using the computer.

The OS enables users to determine the available installed programs and run, use, and shut down the programs of their choice.

The OS enables users to add, move, and delete the installed programs and data.

The OS provides a method to secure a system from all sorts of threats, such as data loss or improper access.

Page: 52

Difficulty: Hard

[QUESTION]

10. Briefly describe the Windows Aero or Aero Glass feature.

Ans: Open applications on the Desktop can demonstrate transparency, where the edges of the applications show blurred background images. This feature is called Aero, or Aero Glass.

Page: 52

Difficulty: Easy
[QUESTION]

What is the purpose of the Windows notification area?

Ans: The notification area shows programs running in the background.

Page: 53

Difficulty: Easy
[QUESTION]

12. When interacting with the classic Windows interface using a mouse or touchpad, describe the results when left-clicking, double-left-clicking, and right-clicking on the icons.

Ans: Interacting with the classic Windows interface primarily involves using a mouse or touchpad to move the cursor and either left-clicking or right-clicking on the icons. Left-clicking selects an item; double-left-clicking opens an item. Right-clicking opens a context menu from which you can select various options.

Ans: Because of the inherent security flaws with both Sidebars and Gadgets, Microsoft recommends disabling them on Windows Vista and Windows 7 systems. Later versions of the OS do not have either.

Page: 53

Difficulty: Medium
[QUESTION]

14. Describe the code names and default name used for the Windows 8 interface.

Ans: The Windows 8 interface, code-named Metro UI, works great for touch-enabled devices. Microsoft dropped the “Metro UI” moniker just before releasing Windows 8 due to legal concerns, replacing it with “Modern UI.” Many techs and IT industry pros continue to refer to the unique Windows 8/8.1 tiled interface as “Metro.” The default Windows 8 interface is called the Start screen.

Page: 53

Difficulty: Hard
[QUESTION]

15. Within the original Windows 8 operating system, what is the result when a user scrolls with a mouse wheel?

Ans: Scrolling with the mouse wheel scrolls right to left rather than up and down.

Page: 55

Difficulty: Easy
[QUESTION]

16. In Windows 8.1, how would a user pin apps to the Start screen?

Ans: Windows 8.1 makes it very easy to pin apps to the Start screen. Selecting the arrow at the bottom left brings up the Apps pane where you can sort and select apps and utilities. Right-click on an icon to pin it to the Start screen.

Page: 57

Difficulty: Medium
[QUESTION]

17. In Windows 10, how does a user bring up the Start menu?

Ans: When you press the Windows logo key on the keyboard, Windows 10 brings up the Start menu with useful tools and your most used apps on the left and pinned apps on the right.

Page: 59

Difficulty: Medium
[QUESTION]

18. Describe the novel way in which Microsoft alters the side-by-side apps feature in Windows 10.

Ans: Microsoft alters the side-by-side apps feature in Windows 10 in one very cool way. Select the first application you want to pin and press the Windows logo key + left arrow or right arrow and two things happen. The application pins to the left or right half of the monitor and thumbnails of every other open application pop up on the other side of the screen. Click the thumbnail of whichever application you want to work with and it’ll open in that half of the screen.

Page: 59

Difficulty: Hard
[QUESTION]

19. In the Mac OS X operating system interface, how does a user access frequently used applications?

Ans: The Mac OS X operating system interface offers similar functions to those found on Windows. The background of the main screen is called the Desktop. You can access frequently used applications by clicking on their icons on the Dock.

Page: 59

Difficulty: Medium
[QUESTION]

20. In the Mac OS X operating system interface, how does a user add and remove apps from the Dock?

Ans: Just like with the taskbar pinned apps, you can add and remove apps from the Dock with a right-click.

Page: 59-60

Difficulty: Medium
[QUESTION]

21. On the latest versions of Mac OS X, how does a user scroll through Spaces?

Ans: On the latest versions of Mac OS X, press and hold the Control key and press the right arrow and left arrow keys to scroll through Spaces.

Page: 61

Difficulty: Hard
[QUESTION]

22. How does Windows 10 support multiple Desktops?

Ans: Windows 10 supports multiple Desktops with Task View, and you won’t find support for that feature in earlier versions of Windows.

24. Describe how a user can change several aspects of a file or folder in Windows.

Ans: You can right-click a file or folder, select Properties, and, on the General tab, change several aspects of the file or folder. You can, for example, make a file or folder hidden or read-only. Context menus unlock many options in Windows features.

Page: 64

Difficulty: Medium
[QUESTION]

25. In Windows, what happens if you delete the Desktop folder?

Ans: If you delete this folder, you delete all the files placed on the Desktop.

Page: 65

Difficulty: Easy
[QUESTION]

26. In Windows Vista/7, how does one find the Windows Control Panel?

Ans: In Windows Vista/7, you can find the Control Panel by clicking on the Start button and choosing Control Panel from the Start menu.

Page: 67

Difficulty: Hard
[QUESTION]

27. How does a user switch to the classic view of the Windows Control Panel in Windows Vista and in Windows 7?

Ans: In Windows Vista, choose Classic View. In Windows 7, select either Large icons or Small icons from the View by drop-down list for a similar effect.

Page: 67

Difficulty: Medium
[QUESTION]

28. Describe how to access System Tools in Windows Vista/7.

Ans: To access System Tools in Windows Vista/7, go to Start | All Programs | Accessories | System Tools.

Page: 68

Difficulty: Medium
[QUESTION]

29. Explain how to access the Windows command-line interface.

Ans: Click on the Start button, type cmd in the Search text box, and press the Enter key.

Page: 69

Difficulty: Medium
[QUESTION]

30. Describe at least two ways in which you can navigate to the Windows 8/8.1 Control Panel.

Ans: You can access the Control Panel in several ways:

Tap the down arrow on the lower right of the Start screen and scroll all the way to the right in the list of Apps. In the Windows System category, click on Control Panel. That’s the slow way, but you should know it for the exams. You can also start typing control panel in the Search field in the Apps list. Control Panel will quickly appear as the best option to select.

Right-click on the Start button and select Control Panel from the menu. You can bring up the same menu by pressing Windows logo key + X.

In the Start screen, start typing control panel; the Control Panel will show up as the top option in the Search charm. Select it to open.

Page: 70-71

Difficulty: Hard

[QUESTION]

31. Describe at least two ways in which you can access the Windows 8/8.1 Administrative tools.

Ans: There are several options for accessing Administrative Tools:

In the Start screen, click on the down arrow to open the Apps list. Scroll a little to the right and you’ll see the list of Administrative. Select the specific tool you want to open.

Begin typing administrative tools in the Start screen and Administrative Tools will quickly appear as an option in the Search charm. Select it to open.

Right-click on the Start button (or press Windows logo key + X) and select Control Panel from the context menu. In the Control Panel, select Administrative Tools to open.

Page: 71

Difficulty: Hard

[QUESTION]

32. Describe at least two ways in which you can access the Windows 8/8.1 Command line.

Ans: Windows 8/8.1 offers several ways to access it:

Tap the down arrow on the lower right of the Start screen and scroll all the way to the right in the list of Apps. In the Windows System category, click on Command Prompt to open the utility. You can also start typing command prompt in the Search field in the Apps list. Command Prompt will quickly appear as the best option to select.

Right-click on the Start button (or press Windows logo key + X) and select Command Prompt from the context menu to open the command-line interface.

In the Start screen, start typing cmd or command prompt and Command Prompt will appear in the Search charm. Click on it to open it.

Page: 71

Difficulty: Hard

[QUESTION]

33. Describe two ways to navigate to the Windows 10 Control Panel.

Ans: Windows 10 offers two standard ways to get to the Control Panel. Right-click on the Start button to open the Tech Essentials menu and select Control Panel. Alternatively, you can click on the Start button to open the Metro/Modern UI interface, start typing control panel, and select Control Panel from the Search results.

Page: 72

Difficulty: Hard
[QUESTION]

34. Describe the Windows 10 Settings App and its potential functionality in the future.

Ans: The Windows 10 Settings app combines a huge number of otherwise disparate utilities, apps, and tools traditionally spread out all over your computer into one fairly unified, handy Windows app. Since the Settings app was introduced in Windows 8, it has taken over more and more tasks from the Control Panel. Expect it to grow as Windows 10 matures.

Page: 72

Difficulty: Hard
[QUESTION]

35. Describe how to navigate to the Windows Settings App.

Ans: To access the Setting app, press the Windows logo key to access the Start menu. Select Settings from the lower left to open the tool.

Page: 72

Difficulty: Hard
[QUESTION]

36. Describe how to navigate to Mac OS X System Preferences.

Ans: To access System Preferences, click on the Apple (top-left corner of screen). Select System Preferences from the permanent Apple menu to open the app. From System Preferences you have access to almost all settings you will need to administer a Mac OS X system.

Page: 73

Difficulty: Hard
[QUESTION]

37. Describe how to navigate to Mac OS X Utilities folder.

Ans: The second launch point is the Utilities folder, located neatly in the Applications folder. Because of its importance, Apple provides a quick shortcut to access it. With the Finder in focus, click on Go on the menu bar and select Utilities. Alternatively, use the hot-key combination: (Command-Shift-U). This gives you access to the tools you need to perform services on a Mac beyond what’s included in System Preferences, including Activity Monitor and Terminal. The latter is the command-line interface for Mac OS X, a very powerful tool for techs.

Page: 73

Difficulty: Hard
[QUESTION]

38. Describe how to navigate to the Linux terminal.

Ans: You can get to the terminal in most distros by pressing Ctrl-Alt-T.

Page: 73

Difficulty: Medium
[QUESTION]

39. Describe how to navigate to the Unity System Settings.

Ans: To access System Settings, click on the gear icon on the far right of the menu bar and select System Settings.

Page: 74

Difficulty: Medium
[QUESTION]

40. Describe how to navigate to the GNOME 3 All Settings application.

Ans: To access All Settings, click on the down arrow icon on the far right of the menu bar and select the wrench and screwdriver icon.